The governments of Canada and Manitoba have announced a joint investment of $76.9 million for water and wastewater infrastructure to help municipalities upgrade the critical infrastructure needed to build more homes, keep life affordable and grow their communities.

“The cost of living starts with the cost of housing, and that means we need the infrastructure that lets communities build more homes,” said Premier Wab Kinew. “These vital water and wastewater projects give rural municipalities the capacity so they can grow, attract new families and keep life affordable.”

The Canada Housing Infrastructure Fund (CHIF) provincial stream encourages investment into rural infrastructure projects that build or upgrade the critical infrastructure needed to develop more homes and meet the growing demand for affordable housing, the minister noted.

“These important infrastructure upgrades will unleash housing and economic growth in large and small municipalities across the province,” said Municipal and Northern Relations Minister Glen Simard. “This is the critical infrastructure needed for communities to grow and thrive well into the future. Once again, local municipalities told us what they needed to be successful, and we listened.”

“On behalf of the Red-Seine-Rat (RSR) Wastewater Co-operative and its six municipal members, we’re truly grateful for this pivotal provincial investment, supported by the Government of Canada,” said Jim Funk, reeve of Hanover and chair, RSR Wastewater Co-operative. “With construction costs rising each year, this support is vital to keeping our project on track and ensuring shovels are in the ground in 2026. We applaud the Manitoba government for listening to municipalities and investing in infrastructure that grows our economy and protects our environment.”

Under CHIF, the rural provincial allocation provides support to long-term provincial infrastructure priorities that will directly enable increased housing supply.

“The plant expansion in Letellier is a game changer for us and the communities we serve,” said Dale Toews, CEO, Pembina Valley Water Co-operative (PVWC). “To have the Manitoba government support us tells us it believes not just in the PVWC model as a regional water supplier but in the economic importance of the Pembina Valley region. This investment in the PVWC allows us to move ahead with confidence in our capital expansion as we continue to supply clean drinking water to our communities.”

“Brandon is making a huge investment to secure our future. By working with the federal and provincial governments, we’re tackling the big projects that keep our city sustainable,” said Mayor Jeff Fawcett, City of Brandon. “Clean, safe drinking water and reliable wastewater systems are foundational to a prosperous city. These upgrades aren’t just for today, they’re about making sure Brandon is ready to grow and thrive for decades to come.”

The CHIF allocation along with provincial obligation funding will fund regional priorities, such as:

  • $22 million for the RSR East Water and Wastewater Treatment network;
  • $22 million RSR West (Brandon) Water and Wastewater network;
  • $22 million Pembina Valley Water Co-op capital plan;
  • $6.5 million Boissevain Lagoon; and
  • $4.4 million to Morden sewer line to Winkler.

These regional projects are designed to serve Manitobans in growing communities, and by investing together in drinking water, wastewater, stormwater and solid waste infrastructure, the Manitoba government and its partners are helping ensure communities can support housing that meets the needs of a growing population, the minister noted.